The most affordable route to a high-lux roadster from Mercedes-Benz, the SL400 carries a V6 instead of the powerhouse V8 and V12 engines found in other SL models. While its performance isn't quite as thrilling, the SL400 is priced well within the the earth's atmosphere.
What's New for 2016
The SL400 receives new lighting and bumpers at the front and rear. The suspension has been updated for sharper cornering, and the V6 engine gains 35 horsepower for a total of 362. A nine-speed automatic replaces last year's seven-speed unit.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SL400
The SL400 starts at $85,050, while the lowest-priced V8 model will set you back at least $108,050. Such is the level of savings you can achieve by "settling" for a V6 engine. The turbocharged 3-liter now makes 362 horsepower, enough to get the SL400 up to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. A nine-speed automatic transmission does the shifting.
Like its more expensive siblings, SL400 features a power hardtop with an integrated glass roof panel. You also get dual 16-way heated seats with memory, a Harman Kardon sound system, navigation, a power wind blocker, and a driver attention alert system. The interior is trimmed in your choice of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber.
The only thing missing from the SL400 (besides a V8 engine) is the Premium package, which is standard on all other SLs, but optional here. For $4,900, you get a rearview camera, an automated parking system, ventilated and massaging seats, keyless ignition, a power trunk lid, and a neck-level heating system known as Airscarf.
There's also a Sport Wheel package with 18- or 19-inch AMG wheels, upgraded brakes, and a sport steering wheel. Your third package to consider is Driver Assistance, which adds adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist.
One of the more worthy individual options is Magic Sky Control, which allows you to adjust the tint on the glass roof panel. Sportsters will appreciate the availability of a fully adaptive suspension system. More novel add-ons include infrared night vision, soft-close doors, a split-view infotainment screen, and the ultra-premium Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system.
With this year's increase in horsepower, the SL400 makes even more sense from a cost standpoint. Simply add the Premium Package and no one will know you're not driving one of the expensive ones unless they're paying close attention to the number on the trunk lid.